International Partnerships Boost Singapore's Robust Water Research Eco-system

Singapore, June 1, 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - PUB, Singapore's national water agency will be collaborating with international water companies and research centres to explore R&D projects in water treatment. Five Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with Evoqua Water Technologies, Grundfos, Technologiezentrum Wasse (TZW), KWR Watercycle Research Institute, and Anaergia Pte Ltd during the Singapore International Water Week 2014. These projects will further drive Singapore's growth in water R&D to co-create solutions that can enhance our water resilience, and promote Singapore as a global hydrohub.

PUB and Evoqua will further develop electrochemical desalination technology that aims to improve the energy and cost efficiencies in seawater desalination. Evoqua, which has been presently engaged in a demonstration with PUB for initial feasibility of advanced electrochemical desalination technology, will now explore the design, construction, installation and evaluation of a system comprising Evoqua E-Desal equipment to produce drinking water from seawater with an eventual capacity of 1 U.S. MGD for the demo plant. The parties shall commission the initial phase of the demo project by 31 December 2014.

The collaboration between TZW and PUB will focus on the enhancement of the water treatment processes. Under the MOU, experts from both TZW and PUB will be working together on two projects related to biological activated carbon and limestone filtration. Other potential areas of collaboration include the enhancement of several water treatment processes like coagulation and advanced oxidation.PUB will be working with Grundfos on the development and application of high efficient pump solutions, research and development in wastewater treatment solutions, disinfection technologies, applications of in-pipe energy recovery technologies, and other relevant water innovation areas.

In addition, PUB will be collaborating with KWR Watercycle Research Institute in Watershare, and join the programme as a Gold member. As part of this partnership, PUB will tap on their knowledge tools such as the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) Treatment Calculator, Optivalves, and Network Flow Performance to enhance water treatment and water network management.

The partnership with Anaergia Pte Ltd will focus on potential waste-to-energy research projects, in particular anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and used water sludge to derive positive synergies for enhanced energy recovery.

"R&D has been key to Singapore overcoming its water vulnerabilities and achieving a secure water supply, and it will remain vital as we explore ways to keep our water supply sustainable and affordable. The collaborations with international partners will help us scale greater heights in water research, enabling us to find new and innovative ways to contain the rising costs of treating and producing water," said Mr Chew Men Leong, PUB Chief Executive and Executive Director, Environment & Industry Programme Office (EWI).

The projects are also testament to Singapore's vibrant water industry. The environment and water industry has been identified as a key growth sector in Singapore, with EWI established in 2006 to promote research and development in the field, grow the industry and position Singapore as a global R&D base for environment and water solutions. Today, Singapore has a thriving cluster of 130 water companies and 28 research centres, with more than S$314million channelled into 435 R&D projects.

Beyond providing an environment for business and research, Singapore also plays a key role in forging dialogue amongst the policymakers, water experts and industry leaders on water issues, challenges and solutions through platforms such as the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW).

"The Singapore International Water Week brings the international community together to share their water expertise and knowledge, and is also an excellent opportunity to foster collaborations to co-create innovative and sustainable water solutions that will address global water challenges," Mr Chew added.

The Singapore International Water Week will be held from 1 to 5 June 2014 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Details of the MoU signing ceremonies are appended below, and the media are invited to attend these events. To RSVP, please contact Judy Tan ([email protected]) and Tan Guan Li ([email protected], 6731 3292).

About PUB

PUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the national water agency, managing Singapore's water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way. PUB won the 2007 Stockholm Industry Water Award and was named Water Agency of the Year at the Global Water Awards 2006.

- About PUB's tagline: Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy -PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water for Singapore with the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater, desalinated water).

To provide water for all, PUB calls on all Singaporeans to play our part to conserve water, keep our water catchments and waterways clean and build a relationship with water so we can enjoy our water resources. We can then have enough water for all uses - for industry, for living, for life. Visit www.pub.gov.sg.

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